Interesting articles. I had read West Marches a while ago, but didn’t know about pointcrawling.

It seems that both are intrinsically geographically based. As in, the map is essential. Which I guess is why it fits so well for TOR, given the gorgeous maps.

My own preferred way of playing (and I think there is a spectrum here, between Hex/point crawling, Sandplotting and BW style play) is less map-heavy. Or maybe its RELATIONSHIP-map heavy? 

I prep situation and plot ‘triggers’? leads? linked to different people, items and/or locations. When the players ‘move’ (interact and show an interest in pursuing the lead) then it becomes active. Plotcrawling? I think I’m just confusing myself 🙂

In my BW game, I’ve got invaders poised to take over a mine, secret missives addressed to the Archbishop,  a foreign ambassador, a rival knight, prisoners in the keep’s dungeon, a couple of mysterious wizards, and a young prominent Heir, as well as the mine itself, as well as offers to bargains of questionable morality all floating before the players. That is my map. They choose ‘where’ to go next 🙂  *EDIT:* They choose what to pick up on and what to ignore. I’m happy either way. I provide a wealth of options, and develop what they seem interested in, while ignoring what they’re not interested in…

I’m rambling… I think that’s just normal BW play, and I’m overthinking it…  😀